SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) recently met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat to discuss pressing issues affecting various economic sectors in Kashmir. Presenting a detailed memorandum, KCCI highlighted challenges and proposed solutions to boost sectors including handicrafts, tourism, horticulture, and industry, while seeking government support for sustainable development, the trade body said in a detailed statement.
The handicrafts sector was a top priority, with KCCI emphasising a sharp decline in exports. They advocated for the promotion of Kashmiri handicrafts through national and international exhibitions and called for district-specific craft clusters. Proposals also included expanding the Craft Development Institute’s capacity, assigning a separate ITC (HSN) code for Kashmiri handicrafts, reducing GST on these items, and establishing an international expo mart. KCCI requested government-led seminars to revive traditional crafts, which are vital to Kashmir’s cultural and economic heritage.
In tourism, KCCI stressed the need for simplified processes for renewing tourism-related licences, as well as permissions for repairs and upgrades in popular destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. They suggested building sewage and waste treatment plants at key tourist spots, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and updating the outdated Tourist Trade Act of 1978. The Chamber also proposed measures to boost MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and adventure tourism, rationalising service charges for hotels, and promoting homestays as part of sustainable tourism. They urged for the implementation of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for central and PSU employees during lean seasons to boost local tourism.
KCCI also addressed the horticulture sector, urging the government to categorise it as a priority lending sector, implement land allotment policies, and promote crop diversification. They requested support for solar power adoption and the establishment of crop insurance schemes to safeguard farmers.
The industrial sector also saw multiple proposals. KCCI sought simplified policies, prompt disbursement of government incentives, and effective implementation of the New Central Sector Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir. They advocated for solar subsidies, skill development initiatives aligned with modern industry requirements, a one-time settlement scheme by JK Bank, and power amnesty for commercial consumers. The Chamber also highlighted the need for financial relief for struggling industrial units and faster allocation of industrial land that has been delayed for years.
The KCCI’s memorandum extended to other pressing issues, such as inadequate parking facilities in markets, delays in the Srinagar Smart City projects, footpath encroachment, and rising drug addiction, for which they urged the establishment of rehabilitation centres. They also flagged airport parking fees, and tenant issues with the Waqf Board, and called for robust disaster management planning, drawing lessons from past natural disasters in the region.
In a positive response, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured KCCI of the government’s commitment to supporting trade and industrial growth in Kashmir. He pledged regular review meetings every three months to monitor progress and address the Chamber’s concerns. The President of KCCI expressed gratitude for the government’s receptive stance and the opportunity for future collaborations aimed at economic stability and growth in Kashmir.
